Student Awards and Grants

Dissertation Title: Quantifying Human Stress Using a Novel Stress Burden Index (SBI): Framework Development and Pilot Study

This research aims to develop a theoretical model for a Stress Burden Index (SBI), which synthesizes multimodal biosignals into a singular measure of physiological resistance. By identifying the latent structure of stress across differing cognitive demands, this work lays the foundation for advanced monitoring systems that can preemptively identify burnout and improve the long-term psychological resilience of service members.

This research reinforced the powerful role leadership plays in shaping psychological safety and overall unit climate. Through this work, I gained deeper insight into how destructive leadership can undermine both well-being and performance. I hope these findings support the advancement of military psychology by promoting leadership practices that strengthen trust, resilience, and operational effectiveness 

Reflection: I had the amazing opportunity to present one of my aims from my master’s thesis at ABCT 2026 in New Orleans, LA this past November, titled "Relationship Factors and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Military Members: Correlational and Predictive Models Examined by Sex". In brief, these findings contribute to a better understanding of how posttraumatic stress symptoms negatively impact military marriages, and how this is shown differently among male and female SMs. I'm grateful senior mentors who have given me wonderful opportunities to speak with and guide undergraduate students who share an interest in military relationship satisfaction and I hope to continue this mentorship and cross collaboration. 

The Division 19  Society for Leadership Program (SLP) capstone project focused on advancing military psychology by examining gaps in military family resilience programs, with particular attention to accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and long-term support for diverse military-connected populations. Through this work, it aimed to promote more equitable, evidence-informed approaches that strengthen resilience and support the well-being of service members and their families.

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